Winter Storm Watch Updated as 15 Inches of Snow, 60 MPH Winds Are Possible

The calendar may say that it's spring, but winter is still hanging on in certain areas of the United States.

Montana has seen some heavy snow this week, and more is expected for portions of the Treasure State over the next three days. The National Weather Service(NWS) has issued multiple winter storm watches, including one for up to 15 inches of snow.

Heavy snow, high winds in store for Absaroka-Beartooth Mountains

On Tuesday, the NWS Billings outpost announced a Winter Storm Watch for the Absaroka-Beartooth Mountains, including Cooke City, beginning Wednesday evening into Thursday night.

"Heavy snow possible. Total snow accumulations between 8 and 15 inches possible. Winds could gust as high as 60 mph," the alert reads.

"Recreation in the high country could be impacted by heavy accumulating snow. Blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility."

Additionally, the Winter Storm Watch said the strongest winds tonight can be found east of the Stillwater River Valley.

Gallatin Valley also under Winter Storm Watch

The NWS Great Falls office has issued a Winter Storm Watch from Thursday evening through Friday morning for the Gallatin Valley, including Gallatin Gateway and Bozeman.

"Heavy wet snow" is in the forecast, between 2-to-8 inches worth, to be more precise.

"Expect difficult driving conditions due to slush or snow covered roadways. The hazardous conditions could impact the Thursday evening and Friday morning commutes," NWS Great Falls said.

These new directives come after the NWS issued storm watches for dozens of locations throughout Montana earlier in the week.

“A spring storm system will move across Montana on Wednesday through Friday morning, bringing widespread heavy snow. Rain begins Wednesday afternoon, turning to heavy wet snow as temperatures drop overnight,” NWS Great Falls previously said.

What is a Winter Storm Watch?

The NWS has three types of alerts it can issue before a winter weather event: a Winter Weather Advisory, Winter Storm Watch or Winter Storm Warning.

The Winter Storm Watch is typically issued at least 24 hours in advance of an anticipated storm.

"As the event becomes imminent, a watch will normally be upgraded to either a warning or an advisory (which indicates an 80% or greater probability of occurrence)," says Weather.gov." A Warning indicates that conditions pose a threat to life or property, and that travel will become difficult to impossible. An Advisory indicates conditions pose a significant inconvenience, and if caution is not exercised, could lead to situations that may threaten life and/or property."